Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz (left) and former Miami coach Jimmy Johnson were part of the heated Miami-Notre Dame rivalry in the 1980s. The two teams will meet for the first time since 1990 when they square off in the Sun Bowl on Friday. [details]

Notes: Grew up in a crime-infested part of southern Memphis and spent first two years of high school in Oklahoma before returning to Tennessee for two years, winning a state title and claiming the Mr. Football award as a senior in 2005. Failed to qualify academically and spent '06 at Milford Academy (N.Y.) where he beat out Philadelphia Eagles '09 second-rounder LeSean McCoy for snaps, carrying 106 times for 1,327 yards (12.5-yard average) and 15 touchdowns in eight games. Missed two games with neck and hamstring injuries. Joined the Hurricanes in '07 and led the team in rushing despite starting only once in 11 games played. Rushed 125-682-4 (5.5) with 13 receptions for 129 yards (9.9) and a touchdown and returned 16 punts for 76 yards (4.8). Sprained his right knee against Virginia and did not play against Virginia Tech. With Javarris James hobbled in '08, Cooper started 11-of-13 games and toted 171-848-4 (5.0), caught 29-113-1 (3.9) and returned punts 3-90 (30.0), including a 66-yard TD against Charleston Southern. Also returned four kickoffs for 89 yards (22.2). Started 8-of-12 games played in '09, carrying 134-695-4 (5.2) with 18-132-1 (7.3) receiving and 26-582 (22.4) returning kickoffs. Did not play against Florida A&M (hip), then suffered a partially torn right ACL against Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl. Was limited in '10 - totaled 35-165-1 (4.7) rushing and 6-28-0 (4.7) receiving with 12-202 (16.8) on kickoff returns and 8-32 (4.0) on punt returns in 10 games (one start). Sprained an ankle against Florida A&M and missed three games. Elected to not run 60-yard shuttle or perform vertical jump at the Combine.

Negatives: Lacks bulk and run strength and is not a pile driver. Dances in the backfield more than he should and needs to learn to take the minimal gain. Tends to flag the ball. Not a physical blocker. Average production and was never a featured back. Durability is a concern - was not 100 percent as a senior following a severe knee injury at the end of his junior season.

Summary: Didn't light up stopwatches even before the injury, but Cooper will be 18 months removed from surgery entering his rookie season. If able to regain his form, he is an agile, quick-footed, change-of-pace back with an appealing running style whose short-area burst and versatility could allow him to be effective running screens, draws and stretches and returning kicks.